Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Minami Ward, Sapporo Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Minami Ward, Sapporo, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Minami Ward, Sapporo was jolted on April 24, 2026, when a brown bear was reported near 160 2 Makomanai on the Sumikawa Atsubetsu Taki connecting road, about 700 m east of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, with another sighting coming from Moiwayama on April 18, 2026 along the Moiwa yama Route. The freshest reports keep pointing back to the Makomanai and Moiwayama side of the ward, where people are still running into bears near roads and trail access points.
That pressure has been heaviest in the Makomanai, Jozankei, and Shirakawa areas, with activity surging in October 2025 at 79 incidents and staying high in September 2025 with 45, November 2025 with 39, and December 2025 with 7. Since the tally began, Minami Ward, Sapporo has recorded 1,170 brown bear sightings, and the recent winter and spring reports show that the bears are still moving through the ward’s forest edges and settlement margins.
Minami Ward, Sapporo Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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真駒内と定山渓に集中してるのが目立つな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Minami Ward, Sapporo
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Minami Ward, Sapporo?
Minami Ward, Sapporo has recorded 1,170 bear incidents in total, with 2 reported in the last 30 days and 0 in the last 7 days. These reports are compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions, and can be viewed on the incident map.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Minami Ward, Sapporo?
The most recent bear sighting in Minami Ward, Sapporo was on April 23, 2026 in Sapporo Makomanai, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Minami Ward, Sapporo?
Recent bear sightings in Minami Ward, Sapporo have been concentrated in Sapporo Shirakawa (21), Sapporo Jozankei (17), Sapporo Makomanai (9). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Minami Ward, Sapporo?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 2 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Minami Ward, Sapporo?
Minami Ward, Sapporo is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.